Net anchorage methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A shelf assembly includes at least one shelf supported by vertical posts, and a net having opposite sides connected to respective posts so that the net spans at least one edge of the shelf and an associated area above the shelf.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/267,071 filed Feb. 7, 2001, and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/272,278 filed Feb. 28, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for anchoring a net in a vertical orientation relative to a support structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Among other things, a net may be used as a barrier across the front of a shelf to prevent items on the shelf from falling. Ideally, such an arrangement should be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, relatively easy to install, and reliable in use. Also, convenient access to the items on the shelf may be desired, in which case, the net should be readily movable into and out of its “barrier” position relative to the shelf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention may be described in terms of a net anchorage system and/or a shelving assembly. In a preferred application, at least one shelf is supported at or near its corners by respective vertical posts, and a net spans at least one edge of the shelf and a storage area above the shelf. A first side of the net is connected to a first post, and a second side of the net is connected to a second post. At least one side of the net is connected to its respective post by a quick-release fastening system. Many features and/or advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0005] With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein like numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views,

[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0007]FIG. 2 is a generally opposite perspective view of net supporting members that are part of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0008]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0009]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 5 is a generally opposite perspective view of an embodiment similar to what is shown in FIG. 4;

[0011]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another net supporting arrangement constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another net supporting arrangement constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 8 is a generally opposite perspective view of the net supporting arrangement shown in FIG. 7;

[0014]FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a shelf assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 10 is a front view of a net configured for use in accordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 11 is a front view of another net configured for use in accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 12 is a side view of yet another net supporting arrangement constructed according to the principles of the present invention; and

[0018]FIG. 13 is a front view of the net supporting arrangement of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] As suggested by FIG. 9, the present invention may be used in connection with and described with reference to shelving. In other words, the present invention is useful for securing a net along at least one edge of a shelf and across anything stored on the shelf. When properly installed, the net reduces the possibility of objects falling from the shelf and suffering damage and/or inflicting injury.

[0020] The shelf assembly 100 includes vertical support posts 120 and shelves 125 and 127 supported by the posts 120 in a manner known in the art. An upper member 129 may be interconnected between the posts 120, but it should not be used as a shelf to the extent that falling objects are a concern. A net 110 extends along the forward edge of the shelf 127 and spans the available area above the shelf 127. One side of the net 110 is secured to a first post 120 by a first arrangement (fasteners 130), and an opposite side of the net 110 is secured to a second post 120 by a second arrangement (cord 170). Those skilled in the art will recognize that FIG. 9 shows only one of many possible embodiments of the present invention. For example, the fasteners 130 may be used on both sides of the net 110 and/or opposite any of the other fastening arrangements disclosed herein. Moreover, supplemental posts 190 may be configured for connection to the primary posts 120 for purposes of accommodating other types of quick-release fasteners, as suggested by FIGS. 10-13.

[0021] FIGS. 1-2 show two of the fasteners 130, as well as the associated post 120, in greater detail. In accordance with known practices, keyhole-shaped openings 121 extend through a side wall 122 of the post 120. Each opening 121 includes a relatively upward portion that may be described as a circular hole, and a relatively downward portion that may be described as a slot having a width that is smaller than the diameter of the hole. The openings 121 are arranged in two, laterally aligned columns extending lengthwise along the post 120. As is already known in the art, the openings 121 are sized and configured to engage the shelves 125 and 127 and/or to engage supports (not shown) for the shelves 125 and 127.

[0022] Each fastener 130 includes a key 131 that is sized and configured to fit through an opening 121 when properly oriented relative thereto, and a base 132 that is too large to fit through the opening 121. The key 131 and the base 132 define a gap therebetween, and the width of the gap is approximately equal to the wall thickness of the post 120. A shaft (not shown) spans the gap and is interconnected between the key 131 and the base 132. An opening 133 in the base 132 is sized and configured to receive a tool. A flange or tab 134 extends perpendicularly away from the base 132, in a direction opposite the shaft, and defines an elongate opening 135. On the embodiment 103, a segment of net 113 is inserted through the opening 135 during manufacture of the net 113. In other words, the fastener 130 is woven onto the net 113.

[0023] Any fastener 130 may be connected to the post 120 by aligning the key 131 with the opening 121 (like the lower fastener 130 in FIGS. 1-2); inserting the key 131 through the opening 121; and turning the fastener 130 ninety degrees to a latched position relative to the post 120 (like the upper fastener 130 in FIGS. 1-2). The net 113 extends perpendicularly away from the base 132 of each fastener 130, and perpendicularly away from the side wall 122 of the post 120. Any fastener 130 may be removed from the post 120 by aligning the key 131 with its associated opening 121 and pulling the fastener 130 away from the post 120.

[0024]FIG. 3 shows an alternative arrangement 104, wherein fasteners 140 and a cord 150 are substituted for the fasteners 130. Each fastener 140 includes a key (not shown) like the key 131, but has a different base 142. In this regard, a relative thicker flange or tab 144 extends perpendicularly away from the base 142, in a direction opposite the key. The flange 144 is provided with an elongate opening 145 that is notched in opposite directions at opposite ends to define a linear passage extending through the flange 145.

[0025] The member 150 is a cord (or other flexible, elongate member) that is woven through loops along the edge of net 114 and routed through the elongate openings 145 in the fasteners 140. In other words, the cord 150 secures the fasteners 140 to the net 114. In FIG. 3, the cord 150 is routed through each fastener 140 in similar fashion. In the alternative, the cord 150 could be routed in a first direction through every other fastener 140, and in an opposite direction through the intervening fasteners 140. In other words, the lower fastener 140 in FIG. 3 may be secured to the cord 150 as shown in FIG. 3, and the cord 150 may be routed in an opposite direction through the upper fastener 140 in FIG. 3. Such an arrangement would require adjacent fasteners 140 to be rotated in opposite directions prior to removal from the post 120. In the absence of a tool receiving opening in the base 142, the flange 144 may be gripped between thumb and forefinger to facilitate rotation of the fastener 140 between a latched orientation (like the upper fastener 140 in FIG. 3), and an unlatched orientation (like the lower fastener 140 in FIG. 3).

[0026] FIGS. 4-5 show another arrangement 106 suitable for use in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The fastener 160 includes a key (not shown) like the key 131 on the fastener 130. The fastener 160 also includes a base 162 and an opposing portion 166 that cooperate to form a substantially closed loop or clip. An edge strand or loop of a net may inserted or clipped between the opposing portion 166 and the base 162. An opening or window 167 is provided in the opposing portion 166 to facilitate access to a tool receiving opening (not shown) like the opening 133 on the fastener 130.

[0027]FIG. 5 shows fastener 160′ with a similar clip arrangement, but an alternative means for mounting to the post 120. More specifically, opposing, resilient prongs 168 protrude outward from the base 162, in a direction opposite the opposing portion 166. Each prong 168 has a shaft portion and a relatively larger head portion at the distal end of the shaft portion. The lower head portion may be inserted through the keyhole 121 and force downward until the upper head portion snaps into place inside the keyhole 121. One or both of the head portions may be contoured to facilitate insertion through the keyhole 121. In any event, the two prongs 168 are configured to deflect away from one another to retain the fastener 160′ in place relative to the post 120.

[0028]FIG. 6 shows another net supporting arrangement 107 suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. In this arrangement 107, a flexible cord 170 is woven through openings in the net 117 and openings 121 in the post 120. Opposite ends of the cord 170 are secured to the post 120 by bolts, clips, knots, or other suitable means. In one method of use, the arrangement 107 would be used to secure only one side of the net 117, and a more “access friendly” or “quick release” arrangement would be used on the opposite side. In another method of use, a separate ring (shown in dashed lines) would be provided along each accessible segment of the cord 170, and “quick-release” fasteners would be interconnected between respective rings 177 and respective portions of the net.

[0029] FIGS. 7-8 show still another net supporting arrangement 108 suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. In this arrangement 108, a rigid rod 180 extends along a column of openings 121 in the post 120, and pegs 181 extend perpendicularly away from the rod 180, through respective loops in the net 118, and into respective openings 121. As shown in FIG. 8, fasteners 182 are preferably secured to at least some of the pegs 181. The depicted fastener 182 is a threaded nut, but other types of suitable fasteners may be used in the alternative. The ends of rod 180 are secured to the post 120 by welding, snap fit brackets, or other suitable means. According to a preferred method of use, the arrangement 108 would be used to secure only one side of the net 118, and a more “access friendly” or “quick release” arrangement would be used on the opposite side.

[0030]FIG. 10 shows a net 210 designed for use in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The net 210 includes a mesh panel 212, and a border 214 secured about the perimeter of the mesh panel 212. A first strap 216 has one end secured to the net border 214, and an opposite distal end. A second strap 218 has opposite ends secured to the net border 214, and an intermediate portion secured to a buckle 220. The distal end of the first strap 216 is threaded through the buckle 220 in a manner that allows adjustment of the first strap 216 relative to the buckle 220. A carabiner 226 is secured to an intermediate portion of the first strap and available for connection to a fastener 130 or other connector on the post 120.

[0031]FIG. 11 shows another net 310 designed for use in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The net 310 similarly includes a mesh panel 312, and a border 314 secured about the perimeter of the mesh panel 312. A strap has an intermediate portion secured to the net border 214, a first distal portion 316 that is free, and a second distal portion 318 that is secured to a buckle 220. The free end 316 of the strap may be inserted through a suitable connector on a post 120 and then threaded through the buckle 220 and cinched tight.

[0032] FIGS. 12-13 show another net supporting arrangement 190 designed for use in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The arrangement 190 includes a bar 192, brackets 194 rigidly secured to a side of the bar 192 (by rivets 193, for example), and a “serpentining” wire form 198 rigidly secured to an opposite side of the bar 192 (by welding, for example). Mushroom-shaped pegs 196 project outward from each bracket 194. The pegs 196 are configured and arranged to fit into respective openings 121 in a standard post 120. The force of gravity acting upon the bar 192 encourages the pegs 196 to remain seated in respective openings 121. The wire form 198 provides spaced closed loops that are suitable for anchoring carabiners, straps, or the like.

[0033] Among other things, those skilled in the art will recognize that the features of the various embodiments may be mixed and matched. For example, the prongs 168 on the fastener 160′ may be substituted from the key 131 on the fastener 130, and vice versa; the nets of FIGS. 10 and 11 may be used in connection with other depicted embodiments; and/or the net supporting arrangement 190 may be provided to support one end of a net, and a plurality of the fasteners 130 may be provided to support an opposite end of the net. Moreover, the present invention may be described in terms of various methods that performed in assembling and/or using the embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, the term “quick release” is used to describe a connection by clipping, snapping, and/or turning through less than one full revolution. Finally, recognizing that this disclosure will enable others to realize various embodiments, improvements, and/or applications, the scope of the present invention should be limited only to the extent of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage assembly, comprising: a plurality of vertical shelf posts and horizontal shelf supports configured and arranged to define at least one shelf space having a shelf length that is measured perpendicular to said shelf posts; a net sized to span said shelf length; a net post secured to a first one of said shelf posts; an anchor member secured to said net post in a manner that defines a plurality of longitudinally spaced, closed loop anchor points along said net post; and a plurality of fasteners interconnected between respective anchor points and a respective side of said net.
 2. The storage assembly of claim 1, wherein said anchor member is a rigid wire configured in serpentine fashion.
 3. The storage assembly of claim 2, wherein said wire includes rearwardly extending elbow portions that are rigidly connected to said net post, and forwardly extending elbow portions that are available for connection to said fasteners.
 4. The storage assembly of claim 2, wherein said fasteners are carabiners.
 5. The storage assembly of claim 2, wherein portions of said net post and said one of said shelf posts are arranged side by side, and brackets are rigidly interconnected therebetween.
 6. The storage assembly of claim 2, wherein said net post and said one of said shelf posts are arranged end to end, and a bar is rigidly interconnected therebetween.
 7. The storage assembly of claim 1, wherein first portions of said anchor member are secured behind a forward face on said net post, and second portions of said anchor member are disposed in front of said forward face to define said anchor points.
 8. The storage assembly of claim 1, wherein said shelf space, said net post, said anchor member, and said net extend upward beyond upper distal ends of said shelf posts.
 9. A storage assembly, comprising: a plurality of vertical shelf posts and horizontal shelf supports configured and arranged to define at least one shelf space having a shelf length that is measured perpendicular to said shelf posts; a net sized to span said shelf length, wherein adjustable length straps are connected to at least one side of said net; an elongate member secured to a respective one of said posts, wherein said elongate member is configured to provide accessible, vertically spaced, closed loop anchor points; and quick release fasteners interconnected between respective straps and respective anchor points.
 10. The storage assembly of claim 9, wherein said posts have upper ends, and said elongate member is configured and arranged to support said net above said upper ends of said posts.
 11. The storage assembly of claim 9, wherein said elongate member includes a net post, and a wire secured to said net post in a manner that defines said anchor points therebetween.
 12. The storage assembly of claim 11, wherein said elongate member includes horizontally extending pegs that are configured to engage respective keyhole-shaped openings in said respective one of said posts.
 13. The storage assembly of claim 12, wherein said wire and said pegs are disposed on opposite sides of said net post.
 14. The storage assembly of claim 11, wherein first portions of said wire are secured behind a forward face on said net post, and second portions of said wire are disposed in front of said forward face.
 15. The storage assembly of claim 11, wherein portions of said net post and said respective one of said shelf posts are arranged side by side, and brackets are rigidly interconnected therebetween.
 16. The storage assembly of claim 11, wherein said net post and said respective one of said shelf posts are arranged end to end, and a bar is rigidly interconnected therebetween.
 17. The storage assembly of claim 11, wherein said wire is rigid and configured in serpentine fashion.
 18. A storage assembly, comprising: a plurality of vertical shelf posts and horizontal shelf supports configured and arranged to define at least one shelf space having a shelf length that is measured perpendicular to said shelf posts; a first net support and a second net support, wherein each said net support includes a net post and a serpentine wire which cooperate to define longitudinally spaced anchor points, and each said net support is secured to a respective one of said shelf posts in a manner that positions at least some of said anchor points above an upper distal end of said respective one of said shelf posts; and a net interconnected between at least one of said anchor points on said first net support and at least one of said anchor points on said second net support.
 19. The storage assembly of claim 18, further comprising a cable interconnected between an upper distal end of said first net support and an upper distal end of said second net support, wherein an upper portion of said net is movably mounted on said cable. 